Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Noncovalently Functionalized with Metal Phthalocyanines

This work reports the facile preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) noncovalently functionalized with 3d transition metal (II) phthalocyanines MPcs (M=Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) and their electrochemical evaluation towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The modification of SWCNTs with MPcs improved the potential required for the oxygen evolution reaction in 0.1 M and 1 M KOH by lowering the potential by approximately 120 mV in comparison with unmodified SWCNTs, at a current density of 10 mA cm(-1). The onset potential of the hybrids is close to the bulk Ni electrode in 1 M KOH and significantly outperforms Ni and Ir black electrodes in 0.1 M KOH solution. Nickel, cobalt and iron phthalocyanines showed auto-activation during extended cyclic voltammetry and long-term chronoamperometric measurements in both KOH concentrations. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of hybrids obtained and the straightforward method of their synthesis opens the possibility of exploring the proposed materials for applications in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE).